Mazda 787B, twenty years after the historic victory ...
At this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mazda's historic victory 20 years earlier was extensively celebrated. This was the first and only victory for a Japanese car and for the rotary engine. Highlight of the celebrations was the return to the track of the winning 787B for two demonstration runs in the hands of actor Patrick Dempsey and original driver Johnny Herbert respectively. It was the first time in some years that the prized car emerged from the Mazda museum and before returning to the track it was carefully restored to full running order.
Needless to say this was our first encounter with the 1991 Le Mans winner and it prompted us to take a much closer look at the machine's remarkable history. At the time it was considered a surprise and even fluke victory but there was a lot more to it than that. In fact the win was more the result of careful preparation and the execution of a well thought out plan than actual luck. A vital part was played by the three drivers, who managed to run at a very competitive pace without burning too much of the available fuel.
All this and much more can be found in our detailed article, illustrated by a 12-shot gallery, featuring pictures of the car in action as well as its fabulous rotary engine.
For those of you that missed the 787B's glorious howl at Le Mans, there will be another opportunity this coming weekend as the Mazda will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed for which tickets are still available.
Enjoy the links:
1991 Mazda 787B - Images, Specifications and Information
If you should see a man walking down a crowded street talking aloud to himself, don't run in the opposite direction, but run towards him, because he's a poet. You have nothing to fear from the poet - but the truth.
(Ted Joans)
Reply With Quote
